Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana HB1041: Line maintenance in public rights-of-way.
Status: In committee, January 20, 2026
Sets forth minimum standards and requirements for the installation and maintenance of communications service or utility service facilities (facilities) in a public right-of-way. Defines a "permittee" as: (1) a person to whom an initial permit or authorization for the installation of a facility in a public right-of-way is granted by a unit; or (2) a service provider responsible for maintaining a facility that has been installed in a public right-of-way. Defines a "line pollution violation" as a violation attributable to a permittee and involving: (1) noncompliance with any standard or requirement set forth in the bill; or (2) the presence of any damaged, abandoned, loose, or improperly secured facilities within a public right-of-way. Provides that a permittee responsible for a line pollution violation is liable to the unit owning the public right-of-way for a fine in an amount determined by the unit, but not to exceed: (1) $500 per violation for each day the violation remains uncured; or (2) a total fine of $2,500. Requires a permittee to ensure that any person responsible for installing, replacing, relocating, or repairing any underground facility that is owned or operated by the permittee and located within a public right-of-way complies with the requirements set forth in: (1) Indiana's statute concerning underground utility facilities; and (2) any applicable local ordinance or regulation; with respect to any work involving drilling, trenching, boring, hand digging, or plowing.
What the bill says
A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning utilities.
From the introduced text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning utilities. SECTION 1. IC 8-1-26.6 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Chapter 26.6. Line Maintenance in Public Rights-of-Way; Line Pollution Violations Sec. 1. This chapter applies and (2) the ongoing maintenance of facilities located in a public right-of-way. Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "facility" means (2) cable; (3) conduit; (4) housing; (5) structure; or (6) other equipment; 2026 IN 1041--LS 6238/DI used in furnishing communications service (as defined in IC 8-1-32.5-3) or utility service to the public. Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "line pollution violation" means a violation involving: (1) noncompliance with any standard or requirement set forth in section 6 or 7 of this chapter with respect to the installation and maintenance of a facility in a public right-of-way; or (2) the presence of any damaged, abandoned, loose, or improperly secured facilities within a public right-of-way; attributable to a permittee. Sec. 4. (a) As used in this chapter, "permittee" refers to: (1) a person to whom an initial permit or other authorization for the installation of a facility in a public right-of-way is granted by a unit; or (2) a service provider responsible for maintaining a facility that has been installed in …
Sponsors
- Michelle Davis (R, HD-058) · primary sponsor
- Robb Greene (R, HD-047)
- Alaina Shonkwiler (R, HD-029)
- Jim Pressel (R, HD-020)
Latest actions
- : Representative Pressel added as coauthor
- : Representative Bartels removed as coauthor
- : First reading: referred to Committee on Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications
- : Authored by Representative Davis
- : Coauthored by Representatives Greene, Bartels, Shonkwiler
Subjects: TRANSPORTATION; Infrastructure; Highways, Roads, and Streets, LOCAL GOVERNMENT; Generally, UTILITIES; Generally, LOCAL GOVERNMENT; Contracts, Procurements, and Purchases
Common questions
- What is HB1041?
- HB1041 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Line maintenance in public rights-of-way.
- What does HB1041 do?
- In its own words: A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning utilities.
- What is the status of HB1041?
- In committee as of January 20, 2026. Latest action: Representative Pressel added as coauthor (January 20, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1041?
- Michelle Davis (R, HD-058), with 3 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1041?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1041
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.